IGP's Christmas Message To Ghanaians

Editor's Note: The Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Mr. John Kudalor has cautioned the public to “remain vigilant during this festive season to avoid falling prey to criminal minded elements in the society.

Read the IGP's seven-pointer message to unsuspecting persons during this period [Christmas].

INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC

1. Yuletide is celebrated worldwide and significantly marks the end of the year, and ushers in a New Year. Traditionally, we exchange Goodwill messages to wish and re-assure ourselves and our loved ones of good fortunes for the coming year.

2. As the year 2015 gradually comes to an end, and we hope for a fulfilling 2016, there is every reason to celebrate 2015 as the country enjoyed relative peace and security in spite of the few challenges encountered.

3. This noble achievement was obviously attained as a result of our effective patrol and Community Policing strategies, the combined effect of which has kept the crime wave low.

4. We deeply appreciate the invaluable contribution of the general public as well as our friends from the media in our fight against crime. We certainly could not have attained this feet without your support. We are equally very grateful to all our stakeholders including the National Service Secretariat for their immeasurable support in all facets of policing including motor traffic management and control in the country. We are looking forward to a better level of cooperation in the ensuing years in our continuous quest to make the country peaceful and safe within the West African sub-region.

5. May I, however, entreat you all to remain vigilant during this festive season to avoid falling prey to criminal minded elements such as rapists, stalkers, pickpockets, car snatchers and fraudsters among others who often attack unsuspecting persons during this period. To the travelling public, we advise you to drive carefully and avoid over speeding, drunk driving and all acts that constitute violations of traffic regulations and cause accidents on the roads.

6. We have, however, saturated the towns with Police officers deployed from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Patrol Department of the Ghana Police Service supported by personnel of the National Service Scheme to control and manage the traffic situation and generally enforce traffic laws and regulations. Day and night patrols have also been intensified within the communities and at all public places such as the beaches, malls, churches and vital installations to ward off or apprehend miscreants. In addition, highway patrols have been intensified to ensure the travelling public is protected. We also urge the public to make use of Police emergency numbers 191 for all networks and 18555 for MTN and Vodafone users in case of any distress or Police assistance.

7. On behalf of the Police Administration and the hard working men and women of the Ghana Police Service, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.